Raisi respected by peers
Over 60 high-level foreign delegations participated in the commemoration ceremony for the martyrdom of the president and foreign minister of Iran in Tehran. More than 10 delegations were at the level of heads of state, around 20 at the ministerial level, and the rest included various dignitaries such as parliamentary leaders and special envoys. International relations experts Hassan Beheshtipour and Mohammadreza Dehshiri believe that the attendance of leaders from various countries in the ceremony to honor Iran’s late president and foreign minister demonstrated the success of expanding relations with neighboring countries and Tehran’s ‘Look to the East’ policy.
By Hassan
Beheshtipour
Foreign affairs expert
Despite the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, his administration has not left the office. I believe the late president’s path goes on, at least until the next presidential election. His most significant focus in foreign policy was the adoption of the ‘Look to the East’ policy. Foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian explained this as prioritizing establishing relations with Asian countries. This does not mean neglecting ties with African or Latin American countries, but rather prioritizing more engagement with Asia.
The second point was the expansion of relations with neighboring countries, with the most notable achievement being the achieved détente with Saudi Arabia under Raisi’s presidency. The ties with the Kingdom were severed as a result of some imprudent actions in the past. Nevertheless, tensions with neighboring countries were resolved or at least significantly reduced.
Another success was improving relations with Afghanistan and the Taliban government. The goal was to maintain good relations with the neighboring country, given the extensive cultural ties, historical commonalities, and shared interests. Tensions with Pakistan, Turkey, and Iraq were eased as well.
The news of the unfortunate death of the president and the foreign minister of Iran surely met with widespread global reaction. This would have been the case for any official who lives in a geopolitically significant country, not just president Raisi.
When three countries in the United Nations Security Council request a moment of silence, it is also a recognition of Iran’s status. This is not to say that I downplay the role played by the late president, but rather to emphasize that it is Iran’s geopolitical importance that commands such attention. For a president of a country without significant regional or global standing, the situation would naturally be different.
By Mohammadreza Dehshiri
Head of Iran’s School of International Relations
President Ebrahim Raisi was honest and popular among Iranians. As the country’s Leader mentioned, Raisi was a tireless fighter who didn’t shy away from the public and spared no effort in serving the community. His relentless efforts to achieve the ideals of the Revolution, promote national interests, and serve his people were most noteworthy.
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